Police: Gas Works Park vandalism spree started with a birthday party

Seattle police say a vandalism spree Monday night that inflicted $8,000 in damage at Gas Works Park was the result of a birthday party gone awry — you know, as birthday parties are wont to do.

Police reportedly arrested the man of the evening on Thursday, saying he admitted to spray-painting walls in the park after his 19th birthday “got out of hand.”

The arrest stemmed from a tip sent to a Seattle graffiti detective, indicating that a large group found fleeing the park that night had gathered for a birthday celebration.

Police were originally called to the park about 10:45 p.m. upon fielding a report of a large group of teenagers partying there. They scattered when officers arrived, leaving behind several open bottles of alcohol and the slew of graffiti.

Parks officials said the incident was “one of the largest cases of vandalism in a city park,” according to Seattle police.

The suspect has a history of vandalism and was booked into King County Jail for investigation of malicious mischief.

Detectives hope to track down other suspects involved with the spray painting spree. Police advise anyone with information to email Det. Chris Young at youngc@seattle.gov or call 206-684-5534.